Hepatitis B or C viral infection and the risk of cervical cancer

Tumor nano-lysate activates dendritic cells to evoke a preventative immune response

A tumor nano-lysate "TNL" vaccine comprised of sonicated 4T1 cells was developed, characterized and implemented for the prevention of triple-negative breast cancer. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the immune response behind the success of the vaccine in vivo, through use of ex vivo and in vivo assays. Here, we analyze the activation of various immune cells isolated from healthy mouse spleens and find that antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs) are being activated following 24 h incubation with 1:10 mg TNL/mg splenocytes. These cells were further explored to determine the pathway by which activation is occurring, and it was observed that TNL are phagocytosed by DCs to activate NF-kB and c-Fos pathways, resulting in enhanced cytokine release after 24 h. An in vivo temporal analysis was performed in mice to understand the immune response at 1, 3, 7 and 10 days after one 100 μL dose of TNL consisting of 105 sonicated 4T1 cells via cardiac puncture and splenocyte and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) analysis. Changes were observed for up to one week. A multiple dose study was performed comparing mice that were vaccinated with one dose of TNL administered every ten days for 3 doses total, as well as a PBS vehicle control. Survival for TNL-vaccinated mice was enhanced compared to the PBS control, and there was an average delay of 10 days in the onset of metastasis. The differences between the groups at the end of the study demonstrate the potential for TNL as a preventative therapeutic.

Coinfections with additional oncoviruses in HPV+ individuals: Status, function and potential clinical implications

Oncovirus infections account for an estimated 12%-20% of human cancers worldwide. High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the etiological agent of some malignancies such as cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. However, HPV infection is not the only cause of these cancers or may not be sufficient to initiate cancer development. Actually, certain other risk factors including additional oncoviruses coinfections have been reported to increase the risk of patients exposed to HPV for developing different HPV-related cancers. In the current review, we summarize recent findings about coinfections with different oncoviruses in HPV+ patients from both clinical and mechanistic studies. We believe such efforts may lead to an interesting direction for improving our understanding and developing new treatments for virus-induced cancers.

Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Papillomavirus, and Cervical Cancer: Overview, Relationship, and Treatment Implications

There is a significant body of research examining the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, with a particular emphasis on the oncogenic proteins E5, E6, and E7. What is less well explored, however, is the relationship between cervical cancer and herpes simplex virus (HSV). To date, studies examining the role of HSV in cervical cancer pathogenesis have yielded mixed results. While several experiments have determined that HPV/HSV-2 coinfection results in a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, others have questioned the validity of this association. However, clarifying the potential role of HSV in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer may have significant implications for both the prevention and treatment of this disease. Should this relationship be clarified, treating and preventing HSV could open another avenue with which to prevent cervical cancer. The importance of this is highlighted by the fact that, despite the creation of an effective vaccine against HPV, cervical cancer still impacts 604,000 women and is responsible for 342,000 deaths annually. This review provides an overview of HSV and HPV infections and then delves into the possible links between HPV, HSV, and cervical cancer. It concludes with a summary of preventive measures against and recent treatment advances in cervical cancer.

Implications of viral infections and oncogenesis in uterine cervical carcinoma etiology and pathogenesis

Background

Uterine Cervical Carcinoma (UCC) is the most prevalent gynecological malignancy globally, with a rising incidence in recent years. Accumulating evidence indicates that specific viral infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), and human herpesvirus (HHV), may contribute to UCC development and progression. Understanding the complex interplay between viral infections and UCC risk is crucial for developing novel preventative and therapeutic interventions.

Methods

This comprehensive review investigates the association between viral infections and UCC risk by examining the roles of various viral pathogens in UCC etiology and pathogenesis, and possible molecular mechanisms. Additionally, we evaluate current diagnostic methods and potential therapeutic strategies targeting viral infections for UCC prevention or treatment.

Results

The prevention of UCC has been significantly advanced by the emergence of self-sampling for HPV testing as a crucial tool, allowing for early detection and intervention. However, an essential challenge in UCC prevention lies in understanding how HPV and other viral coinfections, including EBV, HBV, HCV, HHV, HIV, or their concurrent presence, may potentially contribute to UCC development. The molecular mechanisms implicated in the association between viral infections and cervical cancer development include: (1) interference of viral oncogenes with cellular regulatory proteins, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation and malignant transformation; (2) inactivation of tumor suppressor genes by viral proteins; (3) evasion of host immune responses by viruses; (4) induction of a persistent inflammatory response, contributing to a tumor-promoting microenvironment; (5) epigenetic modifications that lead to aberrant gene expression; (6) stimulation of angiogenesis by viruses; and (7) activation of telomerase by viral proteins, leading to cellular immortalization. Additionally, viral coinfections can also enhance oncogenic potential through synergistic interactions between viral oncoproteins, employ immune evasion strategies, contribute to chronic inflammation, modulate host cellular signaling pathways, and induce epigenetic alterations, ultimately leading to cervical carcinogenesis.

Conclusion

Recognizing the implications of viral oncogenes in UCC etiology and pathogenesis is vital for addressing the escalating burden of UCC. Developing innovative preventative and therapeutic interventions requires a thorough understanding of the intricate relationship between viral infections and UCC risk.

Seroprevalence, trends, and risk factors of hepatitis B and C among family replacement blood donors; a 7-year retrospective study at Sunyani Municipal Hospital, Ghana

Hepatitis B and C cause chronic infections which develop into liver-related sequelae, like cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. This study determined the seroprevalence, trends, and risk factors of HBV and HCV among family replacement donors. A retrospective review of primary data on blood donors screened between January 2015 and December 2021 was conducted at Sunyani Municipal Hospital. The data were assessed for seroprevalence, trends, and odds ratios using SPSS. Of 6847 donors, the majority were males (88.1% [6033]), ≤24 years (27.4% [1874]), O blood type (69.8% [4776]), and Rh-positive (89.9% [6154]). The seroprevalences of HBV and HCV were 3.2% and 1.9%, respectively, with more males infected with HBV and HCV (3.4% vs 2.0%). Males were 2.842 times (p = .001) and 2.399 times (p = .025) more susceptible than females to HBV and HCV, respectively. In the rainy season, donors were 1.489 times (p = .041) more susceptible to HCV. HBV and HCV seroprevalence declined over the period (slope: -0.5464, p ≤ .001 vs slope: -0.6179, p ≤ .001). Male gender and rainy season were significant determinants of both infections. The seroprevalence of HBV was higher than HCV despite the significant decline in both infections. We, recommend health authorities intensify health education among males and during the rainy season.